Systems and methods of interaction with water usage information

ABSTRACT

Exemplary systems and methods for interaction with water usage information are provided. In various embodiments, a method comprises receiving water usage data from a meter device, receiving an identifier from a user associated with the meter device, providing an interactive interface to the user, the interactive interface conveying at least some water usage information based on the water usage data, receiving a first characterization of a first water activity from the user, generating a visualization based on the water usage information and the first characterization of the first water activity, and displaying the visualization.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application seeks priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.61/155,386, entitled “Method to Collect Water Usage Data & IdentifyUsage Patterns,” filed Feb. 25, 2009, and U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 61/186,783, entitled “Method to Collect Water Usage Data &Identify Usage Patterns,” filed Jun. 12, 2009, both of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to water usage dataand more particularly to interacting with water usage based on waterusage data collection.

2. Related Art

There has been an increased interest in environmental and waterconservation. Consumers are businesses alike are finding new ways toadvertise that they are “Green.” Further, saving energy and naturalresources can be profitable. By controlling consumption, people andbusinesses alike control costs.

Unfortunately, determining consumption of energy and natural resourcesis difficult. Although a consumer or business may receive a general billfor services once a month from a utility, the bill does not typicallyindicate how or when the energy or natural resource was consumed.Further, consumers and businesses are typically unaware of the extentthat specific activities consume energy and natural resourceconsumption.

Although electrical smart meters for detecting energy consumption arebecoming more common, there appears to be little help for the consumerto identify their water consumption and the costs associated withvarious water activities (e.g., showers, baths, toilet flushing,cooking, dishwashing, clothes washing, car washing, and irrigation).Even if the consumer of business were to examine the water bill, waterbills typically do not identify activities that use water, the amount ofwater consumption over a given time, or when water was used. As such,businesses and consumers may not put much effort to control and conservewater or other natural resources because of the difficult of identifyingthe quantity of water being consumed and the activities that may betaken to reduce water consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary systems and methods for interaction with water usageinformation are provided. In various embodiments, a method comprisesreceiving water usage data from a meter device, receiving an identifierfrom a user associated with the meter device, providing an interactiveinterface to the user, the interactive interface conveying at least somewater usage information based on the water usage data, receiving a firstcharacterization of a first water activity from the user, generating avisualization based on the water usage information and the firstcharacterization of the first water activity, and displaying thevisualization.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises characterizing asecond water activity based on pattern matching. The pattern matchingmay comprise matching a duration of water consumption and a quantity ofwater consumed with a second characterization. The visualization may befurther based also on the second characterization.

The meter device may be a water meter. In other embodiments, the meterdevice may be coupled to a water meter.

The method may further comprise receiving user preferences to set analert threshold. The method may also further comprise alerting the userwhen the alert threshold is exceeded.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise detecting one ormore leaks and notifying the user of the one or more leaks. The methodmay further comprise displaying suggestions to conserve water based onthe water usage information.

An exemplary system may comprise a meter data module, a GUI module, apreference module, and a visualization module. The meter data module maybe configured to receive water usage data from a meter device. The GUImodule may be configured to receive an identifier from a user associatedwith the meter device and provide an interactive interface to the user,the interactive interface conveying at least some water usageinformation based on the water usage data. The preference module may beconfigured to receive a first characterization of a first water activityfrom the user. The visualization module may be configured to generate avisualization based on the water usage information and the firstcharacterization of the first water activity and display thevisualization.

An exemplary computer readable medium may comprise instructions. Theinstructions may be executable by a processor to perform a method. Themethod may comprise receiving water usage data from a meter device,receiving an identifier from a user associated with the meter device,providing an interactive interface to the user, the interactiveinterface conveying at least some water usage information based on thewater usage data, receiving a first characterization of a first wateractivity from the user, generating a visualization based on the waterusage information and the first characterization of the first wateractivity, and displaying the visualization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment in which embodiments may bepracticed.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a exemplary water meter.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary meter device coupled to awater meter.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exemplary meter device in someembodiments.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram an exemplary meter device for processinginput in some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram an exemplary meter device for processingdata for transmission in some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram an exemplary meter device for powermanagement in some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for providing water usage data in someembodiments.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary box diagram of a data management server.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary box diagram of a customer server.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for interacting with water usage data.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interfaceallowing a customer to interact with water usage data in someembodiments.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interface formulti-meter information.

FIG. 14 is a graph depicting water usage at a specific usage resolution.

FIG. 15 is a graph depicting an example of a pulse frequency graph inwhich darker lines delimit seconds.

FIG. 16 is a graph depicting gallon per unit of time corresponding tothe graph of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a graph depicting an exemplary signature for a specifichousehold activity.

FIG. 18 is a visualization depicting usage based on activity in aninteractive display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In various embodiments described herein, a water monitoring, waterconservation and water usage information sharing service providesutilities and/or their customers access to water usage from any computeror mobile device with Internet access. The customers may access waterusage information with a browser. An interactive web based system mayprovide customers understanding of their water usage. In someembodiments, services are provided to make conservation enjoyable byusing customizable and understandable charts as well as communitycomparisons. Various services may encourage sharing and comparing usagedata with friends and neighbors which may reinforce conservationpractices and maximize the impact of conservation efforts.

Consumers may interact with the water usage information for education,identify periods of water consumption, identify excess consumption,characterize different times/events associated with water consumption,and identify leaks. In some embodiments, there may be automaticidentification of water activities (e.g., taking a shower or wateringthe lawn) based on statistical, time of use analysis, and a profile ofthe residential or commercial users of water.

A learning engine may identify usage patterns and activities. Based onthe identification from the learning engine, a cost-saving suggestionengine may offer concrete options for users to reduce their water useand to save money. Consumers may provide feedback on a computer ormobile device such as a smart phone.

Water usage information may change usage behavior and lead tosubstantial reduction in commercial and residential water usage. Inaddition, access to water usage information can lead to friendly andplayful competition between neighborhood, utilities, and consumers toreduce water usage and earn bragging rights. To encourage competition, awater fund may be established where, based on a percentage of watersaved by utilities, money is donated. In one example, after reducingwater usage, consumers may continue to be rewarded for maintaining thelower level of consumption and the water fund will continue to increase.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment 100 in which embodiments may bepracticed. In some embodiments, a non-intrusive system to monitor waterusage and wirelessly transmit water usage data is described. In someembodiments, water usage data is any data that indicates a quantity ofwater that flows through at least one pipe. Water usage data may be anydata related to water usage and/or consumption by a business, residence,garden, field, farm, orchard, reservoir or the like. In one example,water usage data is data associated with water received from a utility(e.g., the total water received by a residence including water used inshowers, cooking, irrigation, toilet use, and drinking, as well as waterwasted such as leaks).

In various embodiments, water usage data from a residence, such as thehome depicted in FIG. 1, or a business may be provided to a server(e.g., customer server 110). A customer may then interact with the waterusage information (e.g., through a web page) to characterize periods ofwater usage (e.g., identification of periods of water use as “shower,”“irrigation,” or “morning ritual”), detect leaks, and/or changebehaviors in order to conserve water. Water usage information isinformation that is displayed or presented to a user via a web site. Thewater usage information may be based on water usage data from a meterdevice 102.

The exemplary environment 100 may comprise the meter device 102, a tower104, a user device 106, a data management server 108, and a customerserver 110 in communication with a communication network 112. The meterdevice 102 may be a water meter or a device coupled to a water meter.The meter device 102 measures water usage and provides water usage datato the data management server 108 and/or the customer server 110.

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 is a water “smart meter”configured to automatically provide (either by wire or wirelessly) waterusage data to a utility without a human meter reader.

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 comprises an antenna forwirelessly transmitting the water usage data over the communicationnetwork 112 via the tower 104. In one example, the meter device 102comprises a modem or cellular device configured to wirelessly transmitdata (e.g., a GSM or CDMA). The meter device 102 may wirelessly providethe water usage data in any number of ways. In one example, the meterdevice 102 may provide the water usage data to an access point, router,or satellite dish which may provide the water usage data to a serverover a network. In other embodiments, the meter device 102 provides thewater usage data over a wired connection such as a telephone wire,Ethernet, or cable, for example.

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 may be configured to receiveinformation. In one example, the meter device 102 receives informationwirelessly via the tower 104. The meter device 102, in some embodiments,may be remote controlled. For example, the meter device 102 may receivea command to shut water off, to shut water off after a certain level ofconsumption is reached, or reduce water flow. In another example, themeter device 102 may be remotely calibrated or prompted to provideupdated water usage data. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatany information may be sent to and/or from the meter device 102.

The tower 104 may be any device configured to receive wireless data andprovide the data to the communication network 112. The tower 104 may, insome embodiments, be configured to provide data to the meter device 102.The tower 104 may be a cellular telephone tower, satellite, or anyantenna. In some embodiments, the tower 104 is configured to receive andtransmit signals via GSM, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, or over any wirelessstandard or protocol.

The user device 104 may be any digital device. A digital device is anydevice with a processor and memory. In various examples, the user device104 may be a computer, laptop, smart phone, media tablet, smart phone,netbook, ereader, television, or the like. In some embodiments, a usermay operate the user device 106 to browse the communication network 112(such as the Internet) to access a web page containing water usageinformation based on water usage data provided from the meter device102. The user may interact with the water usage information to monitorconsumption, characterize periods of usage, set alerts for consumption,compete with neighbors, and/or conserve water. The user and/or utilitymay, in some embodiments, control and/or configure the meter device 102remotely via the web page.

The data management server 108 is a digital device that is configured toreceive water usage information and bill the user for water consumption.In various embodiments, the data management server 108 is operated by autility which monitors or tracks consumption during predeterminedperiods and bills the user for consumption of the resource.

In some embodiments, the data management server 108 does not receive thewater usage data from the meter device 102. For example, a utility maysend an employee, such as a meter reader, to the home to read the watermeter. The data management server 108 may track consumption, identifypotential leaks, and control residential and business access to water.

The customer server 110 is a digital device that is configured toreceive water usage data and allow a user (e.g., via the user device106) to interact with the water usage information. In some embodiments,the customer server 110 is a web server. The user may set up an accountand access water usage information for their home or business afterregistration. The customer server 110 may provide water consumptioninformation visually over predetermined periods of time (e.g., thecustomer server 110 may generate charts or graphs). The user may alsogenerate reports regarding water consumption over a time period (e.g.,last day, last week, last month, or a period of time extending from onedate to another). The customer server 110 may also allow the customer tocompare data usage at different times, days, or periods of time.

In some embodiments, customer server 110 allows the user to characterizewater usage. For example, a user may access a web page displaying waterusage information at the user's home over a 24 hour period. The user maycategorize certain events of water usage (e.g., water usage from 7:15 AMto 7:30 AM is characterized as “shower”). The user may characterize anyperiod of time of water usage (e.g., irrigation, cooking, toiletflushing or the like).

The customer server 110 may also be configured to provide suggestionsfor water consumption, track conservation, and provide bonuses or prizesfor reduction of water consumption over time. In one example, thecustomer server 110 may provide a coupon or discount to reduce a waterbill if water consumption has been reduced by 15% over three months.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the customer server 110may provide any kind of reward system to help customer's control waterconsumption.

The communication network 112 may be any network that allows digitaldevices to communicate. The communication network 112 may be theInternet and/or include LAN and WANs. The communication network 112 maysupport wireless and/or wired communication.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although only onemeter device 102, tower 104, user device 106, data management server108, customer server 110, and communication network 112 is depicted inFIG. 1, there may be any number of meter devices, towers, user devices,data management servers, customer servers, and communication networks.

In some embodiments, the design of the system is based on the reliablehub-and-spoke architecture. In one example, a user can take advantage ofthe benefits of the system with just one enabled water meter or many.The system may be very scalable with any number of customers, watermeters, and meter devices 102. In some embodiments, there is not need toset up a and maintain a propriety private network.

Although the meter device 102 is described in some embodiments asautomatically proving water usage data, the meter device 102 may be anywater meter that requires a human meter reader to read the meter andprovide the water usage data to the utility and/or customer server 110manually. The customer may still interact with the water usageinformation via the customer server 110 regardless how the customerserver 110 and/or the data management server 108 receive the water usagedata.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a exemplary water meter 200. In variousembodiments, the water meter 200 measures water usage and generateswater meter information regarding that usage.

A typical analog water meter comprises two major components includingthe chamber 202 and the register unit 204. Both units may be sealed. Insome embodiments, water usage data may be communicated from the chamber202 to the register unit 204 magnetically. In one example, the chamber202 may comprise a turbine, a transmitter magnet, and a pick-up magnet(not shown in FIG. 2). When a user draws water by turning on a tap or byflushing a toilet, water enters the chamber 202 which may turn theturbine. The transmitter magnet placed on top of the turbine may turnfaster or slower as more or less water is drawn. The pick-up magnet inthe register unit 204 may turn in response to each turn of thetransmitter magnet. In response to the turns of the pick-up magnet,gears of dial in the register unit 204 may turn to mark water usagedata. In one example, a gallon of water will correspond to a set numberof rotations of the turbine in the chamber 202.

In some embodiments, an electronic circuit converts the turns of thepick-up magnet to a digital pulse output. The make of the meter 200(i.e., diameter of the turbine), the schedule of the water pipe (i.e.,diameter of pipe's hole), and the make of the pipe (e.g., PVC or brass),may determine how many turns of the transmitter magnet, or how manypulses, correspond to a gallon of water. The number of pulses per gallonis called the k-factor of the meter 200.

In some embodiments, the register unit 204 of the water meter 200 isconnected to the chamber via a bayonet mount. The bayonet mount may havea tamper proof lock to prevent users from temporarily removing andreconnecting the register just before the meter reader person arrivesthus using water without paying for it.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary meter device 102 coupled to awater meter 302. In some embodiments, the meter device 102 may installon existing standard water flow meters. The meter device 102 may notinterfere with the operation of the water meter 302 or with manualreading of the water meter. Magnetic sensors of the meter device 102 maydetect water flow and the meter device 102 may automatically reportwater usage data. In one example, the meter device 102 provides thewater usage data via secure wireless data transmission using a standardcellular network (e.g., at 850 MHz or 1900 MHz frequencies). Thecellular radio may not interfere with the operation of automatic meterreading equipment. The meter device 102 may also comprise a waterresistant enclosure.

The meter device 102 may be configured to detect and/or receive waterusage data from the water meter 302. The water usage data may then beprovided to another digital device (e.g., via an antenna to the datamanagement server 108 or the customer server 110). The meter device 102may be coupled to the water meter 302. A meter device 102 may comprise astrap 304, a magnetic sensor 306, as well as a battery and antenna 308.

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 is coupled to the water meter302. In FIG. 3, the meter device 102 comprises a strap 304 to couple themeter device 102 to the water meter 302. The strap 304 may be optional.In other embodiments, the meter device 102 may be coupled to the watermeter 302 magnetically, mechanically (e.g., bracket and screws), and/orelectrically. In one example, the meter device 102 is electricallycoupled to the meter device 102 via one or more wires (e.g., a processorof the meter device 102 may be electrically coupled to one or morecomponents of the register unit and/or the chamber of the water meter302). The meter device 102 may be coupled to the water meter 302 in anynumber of ways.

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 may be coupled to any portionof the plumbing or piping. In one example, the meter device 102 islocated at or near a water shut-off valve. In this example, the meterdevice 102 may be configured with a chamber and ability to detect waterusage apart from a water meter 302.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the meter device102 is depicted as being mechanically coupled to the water meter 302 inFIG. 3, the meter device 102 and the water meter 302 may comprise thesame device. In one example, the water meter 302 may be configured tomonitor water usage and wirelessly provide water usage data to anotherdigital device.

The magnetic sensor 306 is a sensor that detects water usage (e.g.,water flowing through the chamber or changes in the register of thewater meter 302 with the use of magnets). In some embodiments, themagnetic sensor 306 has sufficient sensitivity to pick up the change ofmagnetic field in the transmitter magnet of the water meter 302. Usingan electronic circuit, analog values may be amplified and converted to adigital pulse output. The micro-controller component may count theraise, the fall, and the duration of each pulse and thus compute andrecord the gallons per minute usage information. The usage informationmay be transmitted via the antenna of the battery and antenna 308 toanother digital device (e.g., the data management server 108).

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 may be electrically coupled tothe water meter 302 and receive water usage data directly for theregister unit. In one example, the meter device 102 may receive waterusage data from the dial of the register. In some embodiments, a magnetmay not be used to retrieve or generate water usage information.

The battery and antenna 308 may comprise a power source and wirelesstransmission antenna. In some embodiments, the power source is a batterysuch as a lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride, or lithium-thionyl chloridebattery. In some embodiments, the battery and antenna 308 comprises asolar panel in addition to or in place of the battery. The battery andantenna 308 may also comprise high power capacitors discussed furtherherein. In various embodiments, the meter device 102 may be coupled to aseparate power source such as AC power (e.g., through the residence orbusiness). The meter device 102 may also retain a battery in addition toaccess to AC power in order to continue operating in case of AC powerloss or an outage.

The battery and antenna 308 may comprise any antenna configured towirelessly communicate with a digital device (e.g., the data managementserver 108 and/or the customer server 110 via the communication network112). The meter device 102 may operates at temperatures from −20° C. to85° C. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the meter device102 may operate at any temperature or humidity.

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 and/or the water meter may beunderground. In one example, a buried container may contain the meterdevice 102. In some embodiments, the antenna of the battery and antenna308 may be coupled to a metallic portion of the container to enhance anoperational range of the antenna.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 of the exemplary meter device 102 in someembodiments. The meter device 102 may comprise a magnet module 402, ameter module 404, a communication module 406, a power module 408, acalibration module 410, and a control module 412. In variousembodiments, the meter device 102 may detect water usage data from thewater meter 102 through one or more magnets, a pulse counter, and/orthrough a direct electrical connection with the water meter.

The magnet module 402 may comprise any number of magnets and sensors fordetecting changes in magnetic field and/or current of the water meter.The magnets may comprise any magnetic material. In some embodiments, themagnet module 402 comprises two sensors to detect changes in themagnetic field of the water meter. The meter module 404 may detect themagnetic changes in the sensors and generate water usage data reflectingwater usage.

In some embodiments, the meter module 404 may comprise a pulse counter.The pulse counter detects pulses in the water meter in order todetermine water consumption and/or generate water usage data. In someembodiments, each pulse corresponds to a half a turn of the transmittermagnet of the water meter (i.e. a polarity change). The read resolutionof the meter device 102 may be extremely high.

The magnet module 402 may comprise any number of magnets withalternating polarity on the circular area of the least significant digitof the dial on the register of the water meter. The polarity changes ofthese magnets may be picked up by a reed switch to generate a pulseoutput. Any number of magnets may be used. In one example, 16 magnetsprovide a one cup resolution and therefore, each pulse corresponds toone cup of water. In some embodiments, the reed switch based design mayrequire less power and may be cheaper to manufacture.

The usage resolution is the interval of reporting the water usage fromthe meter device 102 to the back-end (e.g., the data management server108 and/or the customer server 110). The usage resolution may be muchlower than the read resolution.

The maximum frequency of the pulses may depend on the rate of the waterflow which, in turn, may depend on the water pressure and the scheduleof the pipe. For example, in the San Francisco Bay Area, a typicalresidential water service has a dynamic water pressure of 65 PSI and a ¾or 1 inch supply line. This roughly translates to about 17 to 32 gallonsper minute maximum water low rate.

Here is a table of common units of water:

1 CCF 748 Gallons 1 Gallon 16 Cups 1 Cup 8 Ounces 1 Ounce 6 Teaspoons 1Pint 2 Cups 1 Quart 2 Pints 1 Quart 4 Cups 1 Gallon 4 QuartsIn one example, assume a 32 gallon per minute flow. This corresponds to512 cups per minute, or 4096 ounces per minute, or 24,576 teaspoons perminute. On a per seconds scale, the flow rate of the meter is 0.53gallons per second, or 8.53 cups per second, or 68.27 ounces per second,or 409.6 teaspoons per second maximum flow rate.

Number of Pulses Water unit/second 1000 1 gallon 62.5 1 cup 7.8 1 ounce1.3 1 teaspoon

A k-factor of 1000 is 1000 pulses per gallon. Therefore, a 0.53 gallonsper second maximum flow rate (corresponding to 32 gallon per minute flowrate—the maximum residential flow rate) corresponds to a pulse frequencyof 0.53*k-factor which, in this example, is 530 Hz (i.e., 530 pulses persecond read resolution). This level of resolution may not be necessary.For example, as shown in graph 1400 of FIG. 14, the duration of eachpulse may not need to be stored (the duration of each pulse maycorrespond to the change in the transmitter magnetic polarity) at thisscale. The resolution may be lowered to count pulses including durationand then summarize the total over a predetermined interval (e.g., onceper second) for detailed analysis of usage. The system may lower theusage resolution based on a parameter that can be adjusted. In oneexample, for and in-depth analysis, a higher usage resolution may beused for some applications (e.g., billing).

The resolution may be increased or decreased over time (e.g., manuallyor automatically). In one example, the resolution is changed based on acommand received via the antenna (e.g., via the antenna of thecommunication module 406). In one example, a higher usage resolution maybe used to improve the model for a given household. Once the detailedmodel for the household has been identified, and the user hasinformation needed to reduce water usage, the resolution may be lowered.

The level of resolution may be based on deployment options. In aconsumer setting, where the user wishes to deploy a meter device 102 andget real-time usage data, a once per second resolution may be used. Forapplications where real-time usage is not necessary (e.g., utilitydeployment), a usage resolution of once every 10 minutes may be morethan adequate to identify most water activities and at the same timereduce the data collection cost associated with higher resolution usagedata communication (e.g., save power).

In some embodiments, the communication module 406 transmits water usagedata at predetermined times (e.g., at a specific time and/or day), atspecific intervals (e.g., every hour), once a specific amount of wateris used, or upon the detection of a pattern of use. In one example, theuser or utility may configure the meter device 102 to transmit waterusage data at specific times (e.g., 2:00 AM everyday) and/or days (e.g.,12:00 AM Mondays and Thursdays or the 3^(rd), 10^(th) and 24^(th) ofevery month). In some examples, the meter device 102 may be configuredby the user or utility to transmit water usage data at specificintervals.

In some embodiments, the meter device 102 may be configured to providewater usage data after a set number of readings or an amount of data iscollected. In one example, the meter device 102 may detect when waterconsumption is in process and only be active to collect water usage dataduring times of consumption. Once a specific number of readings, amountof data, and/or specific duration of water usage data is reached, themeter device 102 may transmit the water usage data. In one example, themeter device 102 is coupled to a water meter that is used to measurewater consumption of a household. If the family goes on a two weekvacation, no water or little water may be consumed and the meter device102 may collect little water usage data (if any at all). Once the familyreturns, the meter device 102 may continue to collect water usage dataand provide the water usage data once a precondition (e.g., a thresholdquantity of water usage data) is met.

In some embodiments, an activity pattern detection system couldpotentially run entirely on a micro-controller of the meter device 102.The meter device 102 may keep track of usage by activity and transmitthese totals (e.g., every 24 hours). This may significantly reduce theserver load, the size of the data set and the cost of thecommunications. In some embodiments, a pattern of water usage may berecognized and the meter device 102 configured to transmit water usagedata when one or more patterns (or iterations of patterns) isidentified. For example, a specific amount of water may be used duringirrigation events followed by business and/or residential use. Thepatterns of use may be detected by the meter device 102. Further, themeter device 102 may identify larger events of water consumption andprovide the water usage data during or after larger events of waterconsumption (e.g., a pipe burst).

In one example, the meter device 102 may detect a common pattern ofwater usage. If an event is uncommon (e.g., 5 times the water usage of anormal day is detected over a short period of time), the meter device102 may provide an alert and/or provide the water usage data to the datamanagement server 108 and/or the customer server 110.

The communication module 406 may be configured to provide water usagedata and device operational information to a digital device. In someembodiments, when a message is first sent to the data management server108 or customer server 110, the data management server 108 or customerserver 110 may register the meter device. In one example, the messagefrom the meter device 102 may comprise an identifier that identifies themeter device 102. A receiving customer server 110 may register the meterdevice 102 based on the identifier.

As the communication module 406 transmits subsequent messages, thecustomer server 110 may log when and the number of messages received,water usage data, and/or device operational information. Deviceoperational information may comprise a number of times the meter device102 is restarted and/or turned off In one example, the device could berestarted a result of malfunction or some manual intervention (e.g.,replacing the battery).

In some embodiments, the communication module 406 transmits a heartbeatmessage once every five minutes. A sequence message may be sent onceevery 30 second if there has been usage. The data management server 108and/or customer server 110 may log every heartbeat and sequence messageto track usage of the meter device 102.

In various embodiments, the communication module 406 may be hardwaresuch as a ZigBee module which may communicate with a ZigBee modulebase-station. The base-station may pick up the water usage data inreal-time and communicate this data to the customer server 110 (e.g.,using the user's WiFi access to Internet) for usage analysis andcost-saving suggestions. The communication module 406 may comprise acellular based communication module (e.g., GSM or CDMA wirelesscommunication device).

The power module 408 may include a separate power supply and/or receivepower externally (e.g., AC power). In one example, the power module 408comprises one or more batteries. The batteries may be replaceable. Inone example, the batteries may comprise replaceable Lithium batteriesthat may deliver, for example, between three and five years of servicedepending on usage. The power module 408 may comprise capacitorsconfigured to be charged via AC power and/or batteries. Further, thepower module 408 may comprise a solar power to generate power fromsunlight.

In some embodiments, the power module 408 receives power externally andmay comprise batteries for back-up in case external power fails. Forexample, the power module 408 may be configured to receive power from anAC power source (e.g., from a residence or business). The power module408 may charge one or more rechargeable batteries with the AC power. Ifthe external power fails, the power module 408 may continue to power themeter device 102 with the batteries. In one example, the meter device102 may be powered by the batteries for 14 days without AC power.

The power module 408 may comprise lithium batteries. In someembodiments, assuming GPRS transmission, a 6 AH battery may support upto 4 GPRS data transmissions per day for one year while collecting dataon a high resolution basis (e.g., once per second) but transmit the data4 times a day to save power.

In some embodiments, in addition to batteries, the power module 408 maygenerate power based on the flow of the water to generate power. In oneexample, a coil is held close to a moving magnet to generateelectricity. The water meter may have all the necessary elements: aturbine that turns with the flow of the water and a moving magnet togenerate sufficient amount of electricity to trickle charge batteries orcapacitors to power the electronics and communications needs of thedevice.

The meter device 102 may comprise a calibration module 410 configured tocalibrate the meter device 102. In some embodiments, meter readingdevices may need to be calibrated. In one example, calibration occurswhen the k-factor is computed and/or verified. The type of the watermeter and the schedule of the pipe coupled to the water meter may inlarge part determine its k-factor, but the age of the meter may have animpact on accuracy as well. Many analog meters may under-register withage.

During the installation of the meter device 102, the installer maycalibrate the meter device and verify the k-factor. In some embodiments,the installer (e.g., professional water meter installer) uses acalibration device to simplify the task of verifying the k-factor. Thecalibration module 410 may comprise a reading device as well as twoswitches: a toggle switch to start/stop pulse counting for a knownamount of water, and a switch to dismiss a reading. In one example, tocalibrate the meter device 102 manually and calculate the k-factor, aninstaller may press the toggle switch, draw a pint (a quarter of gallon)of water and press the switch again. The installer may repeat this stepany number of times (e.g., three times) to compute the average k-factor.The other switch may allow the installer to dismiss a reading to handlemistakes.

In some embodiments, the calibration module 410 calculates and/orverifies the k-factor automatically. In one example, the meter device102 may receive a command to verify the k-factor (e.g., from a user orutility via the antenna). The calibration module 410 may detect theamount of water over a predetermined time and calculate or verify thek-factor. The calibration module 410 may provide the k-factor to theutility or customer in any number of ways. In one example, thecalibration module 410 provides the k-factor to the utility wirelessly.

The control module 412 may be configured to control the meter device102. In various embodiments, the meter device 102 may receive commandswirelessly to automatically calibrate, provide any available water usagedata, turn off the water, identify the meter device 102, identify awater meter, troubleshoot the meter device 102, or deactivate the meterdevice 102. In some embodiments, commands may be sent remotely by aqualified professional (such as an employee of the utility). In someembodiments, one or more commands may be provided by the user. Thecontrol module 412 may receive commands remotely or locally (e.g.,manually).

In some embodiments, the control module 412 may provide identifiers thatidentify the meter device 102 and/or a water meter based on a receivedcommand. Further, the control module 412 may be configured to performtroubleshooting operations and transmit error codes or descriptions ifan error occurs. The control module 412 may also be configured to updatethe firmware of the meter device 102 and/or identify any firmwarecomponents upon receiving the appropriate command.

The meter device 102 may also make any number of reads. In one example,the meter device 102 may make 3,000 to 250,000 reads a month. Further,batteries of the meter device 102 may last any number of years. In oneexample one or more batteries may power the meter device 102 for fiveyears before being replaced.

A module may be hardware, software (e.g., including instructionsexecutable by a processor), or a combination of both. In one embodiment,the meter device 102 may comprise more, less, or functionally equivalentcomponents and modules.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram 500 an exemplary meter device 102 forprocessing input in some embodiments. The circuit diagram 500 depictscircuits for receiving data from a water meter. In this circuit diagram500, there are at least three different ways in which data may bereceived from the water meter including through a magnetic sensor (seemagnetic sensor circuit 502), through data received from a register unitof the water meter (see register data circuit 504), and through pulseinput (see pulse input circuit detector 506). The output of the magneticsensor circuit 502, the register data circuit 504, and the pulse inputdetector circuit 506 is received by the programmable integrated circuit(PIC) 508.

The magnetic sensor circuit 502 may be configured to receive magneticpulses from the water meter and detect water usage as described herein.In some embodiments, a differential amplifier may be used to compensatefor errors that may be caused by flaws in the magnetic field of thewater meter (e.g., caused by large metal objects in close proximity tothe magnets of the meter device 102 and/or the water meter). In someembodiments, the meter module 404 and/or the magnetic sensor circuit 502may detect 40 revolutions per second turbine speed of the water meter.

The register data circuit 504 may be configured to couple directly witha register or dial of a register of the water meter to receive waterusage data. In this example, an agreement may be reached between amanufacturer of the water meter and the operator of the meter device 102to access the water usage data of the meter.

The pulse input detector circuit 506 may be used to detect pulses in thewater meter as described herein. In some embodiments, the meter module404 and/or the pulse input detector circuit 506 may detect 80 pulses persecond.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that only one of the magneticsensor circuit 502, the register data circuit 504, and the pulse inputdetector circuit 506 may be present in the meter device 102 in someembodiments.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram 600 an exemplary meter device for processingdata for transmission in some embodiments. The circuit diagram 600indicates that information is received from circuit diagram 500 of FIG.5 and prepare to transmit via a transmitter (e.g., a GSM device) (seeoutput circuitry to transmitter 612).

In various embodiments, a microcontroller 602 receives the data from thewater meter and prepares the data for delivery to another digital devicevia the output circuitry to transmitter 612. Jumpers 604, 606, and 608may configure the microcontroller 602 automatically or manually. In someembodiments, the jumpers 604, 606, and 608 may be used to configure themicrocontroller 602 to receive data via the magnetic sensor (seemagnetic sensor circuit 502), via the data received from the registerunit of the water meter (see register data circuit 504), or via thepulse input (see pulse input circuit detector 506).

The circuit diagram 600 may also comprise a speaker 610 that emits soundupon an error or for troubleshooting. In one example, the circuitdiagram 600 may be configured to emit a sound via the speaker 610 whenthe battery power is low or AC power has failed.

The on/off circuitry 614 may activate or deactivate the meter device102.

FIG. 7 depicts circuit diagrams 700 for an exemplary meter device forpower management in some embodiments. Battery circuitry 702 may receivepower through one or more batteries. The batteries may be used to chargea capacitor (see C20). In some embodiments, voltage from the batteriesis stepped up to charge the capacitor C20. The capacitor C20 and/or thebatteries may be used to power the transmission of water utility dataand/or generate the water utility data.

In battery and AC power circuitry 704, one or more batteries and/or acapacitor (see C18) may be charged by AC power. AC power may be receivedfrom an external source. In some embodiments, a jumper may be set toconfigure the circuit to receive power from a battery or AC power.

In various embodiments, the battery and AC power circuitry 704 detectsthe length of time to charge the capacitor C18. When the time to chargecapacitor C18 takes longer than a specified duration, the capacitor maybe starting to fail and may require replacement. The battery and ACpower circuitry 704 may provide a signal and/or alert (e.g., with thespeaker 610 of FIG. 6) to indicate that the capacitor C18 needs to bereplaced.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many differentways to power the meter device 102 beyond those circuits shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 for providing water usage data in someembodiments. In step 802, the calibration module 412 calibrates themeter device 102. In some embodiments, the calibration module 412calculates and verifies the k-factor of the water meter. The k-factormay be based, in part, on the type of water meter, flow of water over apredetermined period of time, and diameter of pipe coupled to the watermeter.

In step 804, the meter device 102 may generate water usage data based ondata received from the water meter and the k-factor. In someembodiments, the magnet module 402 comprises sensors and magnets used todetect changes in magnetic fields to calculate water usage. The metermodule 404 may then identify water usage based on input from the magnetmodule 402 in step 806.

In another embodiment, the meter module 404 may be coupled with aregister unit of the water meter. The meter module 404 may then receivewater usage data directly from the register unit. In variousembodiments, the meter module 404 calculates water usage based on pulsesdetected from the water meter as described herein.

In one example, the meter module 404 may provide a count of gallons aswell as rate of the flow (e.g., similar to a car's odometer andspeedometer). Conventional analog meters may be essentially an odometerfor water consumption. The rate of water usage may allow for thecomputation of usage activities based on pulse pattern matching.

The resolution of the readings may determine the interval when thenumber of pulses is added. In one example, the meter module 404determines a summation period is determine (e.g., a second), and aftereach summation period, a number of detected pulses is added. Thesummation and time (e.g., in milliseconds) may be stored. In oneexample, the summation and time is stored in two arrays. Thecommunication module 406 may provide the summation and/or the time toanother digital device in step 808

In some embodiments, a heartbeat may be sent from the meter device 102to another digital device at predetermined intervals. In one example,the summation, communication and heartbeat intervals are set to 1second, 30 seconds and 5 minutes.

FIG. 15 is an example of a pulse frequency graph 1500. The darker linesdelimit seconds. The gallon per unit of time corresponding to the abovegraph is shown below. For the sake of this example, a k-factor of 1 isassumed (i.e., one pulse per gallon). The signatures of activities maybe represented in the gallon per second instead of number of pulses persecond. The chart below the height of each bar, as shown in graph 1600of FIG. 16, may be the sum of the pulses during the interval divided bythe k-factor (which may, in some embodiments, be offset by 1 second).

In step 808, the communication module 406 may provide water usage data(e.g., based on data received via magnets, pulses, or directly from thewater meter register unit) to another digital device such as thecustomer server 110 or the data management server 108.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary box diagram 900 of a data management server 108.The data management server 108 may be operated by a utility. Inexemplary embodiments, the data management server 108 comprises aprocessor 902, input/output (I/O) interface 904, a communication networkinterface 906, a memory system 908, and a storage system 910. Theprocessor 902 may comprise any processor or combination of processorswith one or more cores.

The input/output (I/O) interface 904 may comprise interfaces for variousI/O devices such as, for example, a keyboard, mouse, and display device.The exemplary communication network interface 906 is configured to allowthe data management server 108 to communication with the communicationnetwork 112 (see FIG. 1). The communication network interface 906 maysupport communication over an Ethernet connection, a serial connection,a parallel connection, and/or an ATA connection. The communicationnetwork interface 906 may also support wireless communication (e.g.,802.11 a/b/g/n, WiMax, LTE, WiFi). It will be apparent to those skilledin the art that the communication network interface 906 can support manywired and wireless standards.

The memory system 908 may be any kind of memory including RAM, ROM, orflash, cache, virtual memory, etc. In various embodiments, working datais stored within the memory system 908. The data within the memorysystem 908 may be cleared or ultimately transferred to the storagesystem 910.

The storage system 910 includes any storage configured to retrieve andstore data. Some examples of the storage system 910 include flashdrives, hard drives, optical drives, and/or magnetic tape. Each of thememory system 908 and the storage system 910 comprises acomputer-readable medium, which stores instructions (e.g., softwareprograms) executable by processor 902.

The storage system 910 comprises a plurality of modules utilized byembodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the storagesystem 910 comprises a processing module 912 which comprises an inputmodule 914, a billing module 916, a monitoring module 918, a planningmodule 920, a GUI engine 922, and database storage 924.

The input module 214 may be configured to receive water usage data fromthe water meter and/or the meter device 102. Typically, a human meterreader will collect readings from a number of water meters and thereadings are input into the data management server 108 via the inputmodule 914. In some embodiments, a smart meter may be used (or acombination of a water meter and a meter device 102) to retrieve waterusage data wirelessly and/or over a network. The input module 914 maystore the water usage data within the database storage 924.

In some embodiments, the input module 914 may be configured tocommunicate and control the meter device 102. In some examples, theinput module 914 may transmit requests for updated water usage data,commands to activate or deactivate the meter device 102, commands totroubleshoot or repair the meter device 102, and/or commands to upgradethe firmware of the meter device 102.

The billing module 916 is configured to generate bills for watercustomers based on the water usage data. In various embodiments, atspecific times and dates, the billing module 916 may retrieve waterusage data and generate a bill for each customer. The bill may then beprovided to the customer (e.g., via US mail or electronically). Thebilling module 916 may also track payment.

The monitoring module 918 is configured to monitor multiple water metersand/or meter devices 102. In some embodiments, the monitoring module 918monitors data received by the input module 914. If there is a spike orunusual water consumption, the monitoring module may send an alert toaffected customers, the utility, and or the customer server 110.

The planning module 920 is configured to plan water usage. In someembodiments, the planning module 920 compares current usage to expectedusage. Expected usage may be based on current events (e.g., record heatwave) and/or past behavior (e.g., water consumption during the sameperiod of time for the last five years). The planning module 920 maysimply provide tools for analysis or provide recommendations toencourage water conservation before the need becomes too great.

The GUI engine 922 is optional and may present a web page wherecustomers may access the data management server 108 to monitor waterusage, pay bills, and retrieve information. In some embodiments, the GUIengine 922 may also provide water usage data from the meter device tothe customer server 110.

The database storage 924 is any data structure that is configured tostore water usage data from the water meter and/or the meter device 102.In one example, customer identifiers, water meter identifiers, meterdevice 102 identifiers, water meter data, and the times that water meterdata was received may be stored in the database storage 924.

Although the data management server 108 and the customer server 110 areshown separately on FIG. 1, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the customer server 110 or the data management server 108 mayperform any number of functions. In one example, all or part of theprocessing module 912 may be at the customer server 110 or the databasestorage server 106.

In various embodiments, the services provided by the customer server 110are integrated onto the data management server. In other embodiments,the GUI engine 922 may be on the customer server 110. In yet otherembodiments, water usage data may be provided to the customer server 110which may then provide the water usage data to the data managementserver 108 for storage or to verify the water meter readings.

In various embodiments, utilities may integrate data and services withthe customer server 110. In one example, the data management server 108may provide the option to bill users for access to the customer server110.

In various embodiments, systems and methods discussed herein may beimplemented with one or more digital devices. In some examples, someembodiments discussed herein may be implemented by a computer program(instructions) executed by a processor. The computer program may providea graphical user interface. Although such a computer program isdiscussed, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments maybe performed using any of the following, either alone or in combination,including, but not limited to, a computer program, multiple computerprograms, firmware, and/or hardware.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary box diagram 1000 of a customer server 110. Thecustomer server 110 may receive water usage data from the water meter,meter device 102, and/or the data management server 108. The customerserver 110 may provide a user a web page (e.g., a dashboard) in whichthe user may interact with the water usage information. In someembodiments, the customer server 110 allows users to create customizablereports and charts so that the user can visualize water consumption overtime, identify events and the related effect of water consumption (e.g.,the number of gallons of water per bath) and the like. The user mayenter competitions to reduce water consumption by individual goals orcompete with others.

The customer server 110 comprises a GUI module 1002, a meter data module1004, a visualization module 1006, a learning module 1008, a suggestionmodule 1010, a preference module 1012, an alert module 1014, acompetition module 1016, and a meter control module 1018. The GUI module1002 may provide the user an interface to visualize and interact withthe water usage information. In various embodiments, the customer server110 may be hosted (e.g., Google or Amazon's cloud services), where basicelements of scalability may be already included in their service anddistributed architecture.

In some embodiments, a user must first register with the GUI module1002. In one example, the user registers with the GUI module 1002 byproviding an identifier (e.g., username) and a password. In someembodiments, the user may be required to provide a water account numberwhich may be verified against records at the utility. The user may berequired to provide a model number or other identifier of the watermeter and/or meter device 102. Once the user is authenticated/verifiedand registered, the user may receive access to water usage informationvia the web site.

The GUI module 1002 may provide any number of tools for the user toexamine water usage. In some embodiments, the GUI module 1002 operatesin conjunction with a client application on the user device 106. Theclient application may perform certain functions locally.

In some embodiments, the GUI module 1002 may also provide APIs thatallow third-parties to access at least some water usage information. Insome embodiments, the GUI module 1002 removes personal informationbefore providing general water usage information (e.g., water usageinformation for a particular region or community).

In one example, an available API may be a standards-based, open API forexternal systems integration capable of importing historical data forcomparisons. Water usage data and/or water usage information may beexported for analysis by third-party tools and systems. An available APImay allow for direct access to data for use in other systems. Further,the GUI module 1002 may be configured (e.g., via an API) toautomatically push collected usage data to existing database systems.

The meter data module 1004 may be configured to receive water usage datafrom the meter device 102, the water meter, and/or the data managementserver 108. In one example, the meter data module 1004 may receive waterusage data from the meter device 102 via the communication network 112.In other embodiments, the operator of the data management server 108 mayshare water usage data regardless if it came from a meter device 102,smart meter, or traditional water meter that is periodically read by ameter reader.

In various embodiments, the visualization module 1116 is configured toprovide visualizations (e.g., such as pie graphs, bar graphs, linecharts, tables, and reports) to the user. The user may be able tointeract with the visualization module 1116 to request specific types ofvisualizations (e.g., a pie chart and a bar chart), select one or moremeter devices 102, select one or more activities, and/or select one ormore durations of time (e.g., over the last week or the month of Januaryof 2010). The visualization module 1116 may then generate the requestedvisualization(s).

In one example, a day's break down in a pie chart may be easilyunderstandable to the user. In the pie chart, the user will be able toview activities on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis.

In one example, the visualization module 1006 may display a pie graph ofwater usage. Different activities may be characterized by the user orautomatically categorized by the learning module 1008 (further describedherein). For example, the pie graph may show water consumptionidentified by the amount of water consumed for showers, irrigation, andlaundry. The categories may also relate to one or more business uses.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be any number ofcharacterizations.

In some embodiments, the user may identify an event of water consumptionon a chart or table (e.g., 1.6 gallons at periodic times of the day) andidentify the event as flushing a toilet. The visualization may then showthe water consumed over a predetermined period of time that matches 1.6gallons (or matches certain times) as being flushing a toilet. As such,the pie chart will allow the user to visualize the water consumptionrelated to each plumbing fixture and consider the impact of replacingphysical utilities and plumbing with new piping and fixtures.

Further, the user may identify a shower as consuming a certain amount ofwater. In view of the overall consumption of water as visualized by thechart or graph, the user may reduce the time of the shower and/orreplace shower heads to reduce water consumption.

The learning module 1008 may perform pattern matching to identify waterconsuming events. In various embodiments, the user may identify variousappliances and fixtures using the preference module 1012. The learningmodule 1008 may then identify how much water those appliances andfixtures use over a predetermined period of time and characterize eventsthat meet those expectations accordingly. For example, the user mayidentify a model of washing machine that uses X gallons of water over 25minutes. When the learning module 1008 identifies that approximately Xgallons of water over approximately 25 minutes have been used, thelearning module 1008 may categorize the event as dishwashing. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that a user may overwrite thecategories of the learning module 1008.

In some embodiments, the learning module 1008 uses a pattern matchingalgorithm based on a model of the daily human water usage. This modelmay take into account a number of parameters such as the location of theuser, the time of the year, the number and age of the people sharing awater meter, the number and make of water appliances, number and make oftoilets, and so on. In some embodiments, the more accurate theseparameters, the more accurate the model and hence the more accurate theidentification of the activities. This may be akin to supporting virtualmeters. For instance, various water consuming activities may beidentified (e.g., irrigation) and the cost of that activities withouthaving to attach a separate water meter for the irrigation system.

The algorithm may include a process for scanning the data and lookingfor pulses (i.e., when the data spikes from zero to a non-zero value).The amplitude and the duration of the pulse may correspond to a givenactivity (e.g., flushing the toilet). Each activity may have asignature. For example, it may take approximately 20 seconds to fill upthe tank of a low flow toilet (1.6 gallon per flush toilet). For thisactivity, a pulse with a given amplitude that has a duration of 20seconds (see diagram below) may be detected. The tally of the pulses maydenote the number of gallons that was used for the activity. In oneexample, 20 seconds×0.08 gallons per second which equals 1.6 gallons.

In some embodiments, pulse speed (or flow rate) and pulse duration maybe used for classification. In one example, a binary or fixed flow rate(e.g., on-off function) uses may be distinguished from ‘continuous’ orvariable rate uses. Fixed rate uses may include, for example, operatinga toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, and irrigation. If the utilitywater pressure is approximately constant over time, then the flow ratefor the fixed uses may be the same each time that the meter device 102is used (but may differ by device, depending on floor i.e. height, pipelength, etc). The continuous uses may be user controllable valves onsinks and showers. These flow rates may vary over time depending on userselected flow rate and mixture of hot and cold water.

In this example, shown in graph 1700 of FIG. 17, each household activityhas a range of possible signatures, which the pattern matching algorithmattempts to detect. The user may control parameters of this model byproviding the value of some of the basic parameters. In one example, theuser sets parameters (e.g., via the preference module 1012) such as thenumber and age of people in the household, number of bathrooms andtoilets, make and brand of water appliances, and so on. Moreover, theuser may update the identified activities that the system has identifiedand thus help improve the model for that given user. In someembodiments, the learning module 1008 may assign a confidence level toeach activity that it identifies. The closer the given data matches asignature of a given activity, the higher may be the confidence level.In some embodiments, the user can review water usage information andidentify patters of use and activities.

The learning module 1008 may also attempt to handle overlapping usage(e.g., person flushes the toilet and, while the toilet tank is fillingup, washes his hands for 30 seconds). The learning module 1008 may countthe pulses to get the number of gallons used. If two or more activitiesfully overlap, then the learning module 1008 may assign an activity witha confidence level. In some embodiments, the learning module 1008 isconfigured to display the degree of confidence. If the pattern of theactivity matches a known signature exactly, then the learning module1008 is highly confident. Partial matches come with a reduced level ofconfidence. The learning module 1008 may keep its own derived activityand user supplied activity. Keeping both types of information may allowthe system to identify the cases where the user purposely tries to foolthe system.

Fixed used items may also have an identifying signature. The learningmodule 1008 may take the water pressure into account when matching fixedusage against known signatures. Water pressure may affect the frequencyof the pulses but not the amplitude of the gallons graph. For example, adishwasher running late at night versus in the middle of the working daymay have different level of water pressure (high at night and lower inthe middle of the day), so the learning module 1114 may take intoaccount the impact of the water pressure when the learning module 1114tries to find a signature to match a fixed use activity.

The user can review the result of the learning module 1008 and helpimprove the reliability of detection. In some embodiments, the customermay enter preferences (e.g., via the preference module 1012) to providedetails of the individual and make of the appliances, the number and ageof people in the household, and so on. In addition, the user can assignactivities to the water usage graphs.

In one example, shown in FIG. 18, the visualization module 1006 maydisplay the following visualization 1800 to the user. The user maydisplay and interact with the graph by following the instructions todrag the mouse over the usage graph and select an activity 1810 and/oradd a comment. In some embodiments, a characterization may already bechosen. The user may change the category if the learning module 1008 isincorrect.

The suggestion engine 1010 may be configured to provide the user withsuggestions for conservation. In some embodiments, the suggestion engine1010 receives derived and assigned activities information from thevisualization module 1006, the learning module 1008 and/or thepreference module 1012. This suggestion engine 1010 may compute aprojected monthly and annual cost of each activity thereby allowing auser to be aware of the financial impact of this activity. Thesuggestion engine 1010 may also suggest ways for the user to minimizethis cost. In one example, the visualization module 1006 may generate apie chart of water consumption activities. The user may be able tointeract by clicking on activities of the pie chart to invoke thesuggestion engine 1010. The suggestion engine 1010 may walk the userthrough available options for reducing cost. In one example, thesuggestion engine 1116 may suggest take advantage of local government ormanufacturers' rebates to replace existing and less efficient applianceswith more water efficient appliances.

In various embodiments, local municipalities, state and citygovernments, utilities, plumbing companies, and appliance manufacturersmay offer rebates, discounts, tax breaks, or other incentives topurchase and/or replace existing infrastructure. The suggestion engine1010 may alert the user to those benefits that may be available based oninformation provided by the user in the preference module 1012 (e.g.,appliances used, number of people, type of business or household,location of facility, and/or the like).

The preference module 1012 may be configured to allow the user to inputinformation regarding water usage activities and the facility related tothe water usage (e.g., residential, business, agriculture, and thelike).

In some embodiments, the user may also set alerts in the preferencemodule 1012 that may trigger an alert when preconditions or thresholdsare met. For example, if water is consumed consistently over a 24 hourperiod, a leak may have occurred and the user may set a preference to benotified as well as the method of notification (e.g., email address,voice mail, or SMS message).

The alert module 1014 is configured to alert the user. The alert module1014 may alert the user, utility, and proper authorities if a pipe breakis detected (e.g., a high volume of water is being consumed that is nottypical or over a long period of time). The alert module 1014 may beconfigured by the preference module 1012. Further, the alert module 1014may provide an alert when certain conditions are met regardless of thepreference setting.

In some embodiments, the meter data module 1004 may be configured todetect water leaks by detecting a constant flow of water over a 24 hourperiod. Once a threshold is met, the meter data module 1004 may causethe alert 1014 to notify and/or alert the user if it detects leaks orother abnormally high water usage or when the user crosses certain otherconditions. The way the user is notified and/or alerted may becontrolled by user preferences. In one example, the user may configurethe preference module 1012 to alert the user when there has beenconstant water usage for more than two hours. The user may alsoconfigure the preference module 1012 to alert the user in any number ofways (e.g., voice mail, e-mail, SMS message or the like).

The competition module 1016 may be configured to provide opportunitiesfor the user to compete with themselves, other specific individuals, orgeneral consumption of a region, neighborhood, or community (forexample).

To encourage friendly competition between friends and communities, usersmay opt-in to share their water usage amongst themselves. The GUI module1002 may display information pertinent to the competition, like goals,objectives, a duration of time, prizes, etc. The competition module 1110may also allow a user to keep abreast of how their water conservationefforts fares in comparison with their friends and neighbors. In someembodiments, the competition module 1110 may allow developers to createwidgets for social networks like Facebook that display water usagebetween two or more customers or groups of customers.

The competition module 1016 may also allow the user to simply comparetheir water usage as well as the consumption of specific activities tothe average consumption of a region. For example the user may compareusage with the average consumption of a neighborhood by zip code, astate, or any geographic regions.

In some embodiments, the competition module 1016 may calculate an scorefor a user to allow for a quantifiable number of competition. Any numberof variables may be taken into account to compute the score for a givenuser. These may include:

-   -   1. The daily and monthly level of water used per person in the        given household.    -   2. The number of gallons of water conserved per month.    -   3. The amount of water used for irrigation    -   4. The amount of water used as compared to national and regional        averages.    -   5. The direct water footprint    -   6. The water offset—the residual water that remains, after the        user reduces his water usage. This residual water footprint can        be offset by supporting other conservation or water quality        activities (e.g., charitable donations).

In some embodiments, external data sources may be used to confirm orvalidate information if the score appears unreasonable. In one example,census data may be reviewed if the data provided by the user appears tobe unreasonable. For instance, a user may declare that there are 20people in the household as a way to reduce their average water perperson used to increase their score. A user that manages to maintain alow usage will be awarded with a high score. In some embodiments, oncethe user manages to reduce their usage to a minimum (lower than nationalaverage), the user may receive a high score.

In various embodiments, the user may control water activity with themeter control module 1018. For example, user may use a digital devicesuch as a computer or smart phone to contact the meter control module1018 to mark the start and stop of a water activity. The customer server110 may start or stop the water and/or meter device 102. In one example,the user can use a mobile device to define the time boundaries ofactivities and thus improve the activity detection component of theearning system. In some embodiments, the user cannot interact with themeter device 102.

The web page may also allow users to donate to charitable organizations.In one example, a portal is available on the web page that displays orlinks to a website or variety of websites to water-related charitableorganizations. In some embodiments, individual users/households candonate a portion of money saved on their monthly water bill to acharitable organization. For instance, if a household saves $5.00 ontheir monthly water bill, the user may access the portal and donate$1.00 of those savings, therefore saving $4 and giving $1 to a cleanwater charitable organization. In some embodiments, customers can viewtheir own cumulative donations as well as cumulative donations made byother utility customers (either individually, as a group, and/oranonymized) on the web page.

In some embodiments, the customer server 110 allows the water usage datato be available for research and mash-ups. In various embodiments,identifying information about a user in the water usage data may beremoved from the shared usage information. In one example, the name andthe location of the user may remain private and cannot be searched(e.g., anonymous aggregate data will be made available). For example, auser may compare water usage to a collection of homes in theirneighborhood but not to a specific house.

In some embodiments, the customer server 110 may provide web services wto allow researchers and developers to query usage information based zipcodes, counties, and states. In one example, researchers may query forthe estimated amount of water irrigation used in a given zip code. Theseweb services may allow for integration with third-party systems such asGoogle Power Meters or various home automation systems.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for interacting with water usage data. In step1102, the GUI module 1002 registers a user. In one example, a userbrowses to a web page hosted by the customer server 110. The user maythen choose to register by providing an identifier such as a usernameand a password. In some embodiments, the user may be required to enteran identifier that identifies the water meter or a water device 102. Theuser may also be required to provide a utility account number to furtherauthenticate the user.

The GUI module 1002 may then authenticate and/or verify the user. Insome embodiments, the GUI module 1002 verifies the water meteridentifier, information about the user (e.g., address), and/or accountnumber through a utility (e.g., via the data management server 108).

The GUI module 1002 may create a secure connection with the serverduring registration and during access water usage information. In oneexample, the GUI module 1002 may establish a secure connection (e.g.,https), apply certificates, and/or use encrypted keys to secure thesession.

In step 1104, once the user is registered, the user may receive accessto their water usage information on a web page. In some embodiments, theGUI module 1002 displays a “dashboard” the indicates water consumptionat the user's house, business, farm, etc. In some embodiments, the usermay have access to water usage information that came from one or morewater meters and/or meter devices 102. The visualization module 1006 mayprovide visualizations of water usage data and the learning module 1008may identify any water consumption events that match patterns.

In step 1106, the user may enter preferences including information abouta home or business (e.g., number of people living at the home orbusiness, type of business, water requirements, types of appliance, andthe like). The user may also identify one or more water usage events andassociate the events with categories (e.g., shower, bath, laundry, frontyard irrigation, back yard irrigation, and the like) in step 1108.

The preference module 1012 may also receive preferences from a userwhich indicate when and how an alarm may be received. For example, theuser may indicate that when overall water consumption rises above athreshold or if the water consumption for one or more activities risesabout the threshold, the user is to be alerted. The user may indicatethat the user is to receive an SMS message. The alert module 1014 mayalert the user with an SMS message when the threshold is exceeded instep 1110. At which point, the user may access the web page to view themost available water usage information to identify potential problems.

In step 1112, the GUI module 1002 may display water usage based on waterusage data and characterizations from the user. In one example, thevisualization module 1006 may generate a pie chart that indicates thedifferent water activities, based on characterizations and/or categoriesidentified by the user in user preferences and/or the learning module1008. The user may click on slices of the pie chart to further define oridentify water consumption activities. As the user understands theeffect and amount of water some activities or events consume, the usermay then make choices to curtail or eliminate those activities orevents.

In step 1114, the competition module 1016 may provide anonymous waterusage statistics. For example, the competition module 1016 may providethe user the mean and median water usage consumption of individuals thatare similarly situation (e.g., with a similar sized family and house).The competition module 1016 may also provide water usage statistics ofsimilar neighborhoods and/or businesses. The user may then see if theirwater costs and/or usage is higher or lower than normal.

In step 1116, the competition module 1016 may track competition tocontrol water usage. In some embodiments, the user may compete withthemselves, another individual, or a group to lower their waterconsumption or overall water footprint. The user may enter theparameters of the competition with the competition module 1016 (e.g.,who is competing, the duration of the competition, goals of thecompetition, and the like). The competition module 1016 may then trackthe consumption of one or more of the competing parties and displayresults throughout the competition. The competition module 1016 may alsobe configured to provide notice to the winner as well as notify socialnetworks of water conservation success.

In step 1118, the GUI module 1006 may track water usage cost savingsbased on water usage over a predetermined time. In some embodiments, theGUI module 1006 communicates with the data management server 108 todetermine the costs associated with water consumption for the user. Inother embodiments, the GUI module 1006 may receive that informationdirectly from the user. The GUI module 1006 may continue to track thewater usage of the customer and provide visualization and notices ofchanges in water consumption behavior.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interface 1202allowing a customer to interact with water usage information in someembodiments.

In various embodiments, the GUI module 1002 may display an intuitiveweb-based interface. The interface may be described as a “dashboard.” Insome embodiments, the web-based interface may:

-   -   1. calculate water conservation    -   2. compare water usage & setup conservation competitions    -   3. aggregate water meters to track and compare as a group    -   4. analyze water usage    -   5. track and administer water meters    -   6. detect leaks & provides leak alerts    -   7. generate alerts when user or predefined system parameters are        exceeded

Access to the usage information may be provided to the users via anetwork such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the consumer mayaccess a water usage dashboard which provides data and information toenable the user to make informed decisions on their use of water andtake all the steps necessary to save water and reduce their water bill.Alerts such as leaks, or over usage may be automatically sent to usersbased on their communication preferences (e.g., SMS, e-mail, orvoice-mail).

The graphical user interface 1202 may comprise a water cost display1204, a leak alert display 1206, a gallons used display 1208, an aquafootprint display 1210, a water fund display 1212, a water usage tab1214, a compare usage tab 1216, a water activities tab 1218, a waterprofile tab 1220, a water footprint tab 1222, a bar graph 1224, and apie graph 1226.

The cost display 1204 may display water cost for a predetermined periodsuch as a billing period. In some embodiments, the GUI module 1002retrieves the cost of water from a utility that provides billing forwater consumption. In other embodiments, the user may enter the cost ofwater manually (e.g., via the preference module 1012).

The leak alert display 1206 may indicating if a leak is detected. Insome embodiments, the meter data module 1004 may monitor water usagedata to determine if there is a constant use of water over apredetermined period of time which may indicate a leak. If no leak isfound, the leak alert display 1206 may display a message indicating thatthere are no leaks. The message may be color coded (e.g., green for noleaks found and red for leaks found). If a leak is found, the leak alertdisplay 1206 may display a message indicating that there may be one ormore possible leaks. In some embodiments, the alert module 1014 mayprovide an alert to the user if a leak is detected.

The gallons used display 1208 may display the water consumed over apredetermined period of time. For example, the gallons used display 1208may show an average water usage per month, per week, per day, or perhour. In some embodiments, the user may configure the time period toindicate the time period of gallons used. Further, the user mayconfigure the quantity of water to be any units including liters. Insome embodiments, the user may apply statistical measures to determine,for example, the median water usage over a predetermined time. Anystatistical measures may be used over any period of time.

The aqua footprint 1210 may be the water footprint of an individualwhich may be defined as the total amount of water that is used toproduce goods and services consumed by the individual or community orproduced by the business.

The water fund display 1212 may display an amount of water that has beenconserved or reduced over time. In one example, the customer server 110may determine average water use over a year, season, or other period oftime. The user may configure the customer server 110 to track waterconsumption and reduction. The user may also configure the customerserver 110 to add the number of gallons (or any volume metric) “saved”(e.g., less water consumed when compared to the average or otherstatistical measure). The water fund display 1212 may show the amount ofwater that is conserved or saved through the user's conservationefforts. In some embodiments, the user may configure the customer server110 to determine the cost of the water displayed in the water funddisplay 1212. An amount of money equivalent to the cost may be donatedto charity in various embodiments.

The graphical user interface 1202 may also comprise tabs that the usermay click on to access different information. If the user clicks on thewater usage tab 1214, the user may view one or more visualization ofwater consumption based at least in part on water usage data from thewater meter and/or the meter device 102.

In some embodiments, the visualization module 1006 may display the bargraph 1224 and/or the pie graph 1226. The bar graph 1224 compares thecost of water usage of the current week to the cost of water usage fromthe previous week. As discussed herein, the user can configure thevisualization module 1006 to display water usage (e.g., in quantifiablemetrics), costs, statistical measurements, comparisons, and/or waterusage identifiers. In this example, the bar graph 1224 compares the costof water consumed from one week to another. The user may also be able tochange the colors of the bar graph 1224.

The pie graph 1226 may show the total water consumed over apredetermined time and display the activities or events associated withwater consumption. In FIG. 12, the pie graph 1226 indicates that most ofthe water used is for irrigation while the rest is used in “morningrituals.” The user may device any activity or groups of activities. Insome embodiments, the user could click on morning rituals and furtherbreak down water usage activities and events to identify dishwashing,clothes washing, showers, and the like. The user may display any kind ofgraph based on the desired identifier and/or groupings.

In various embodiments, the customer server 110 may display a slider toautomatically change the timescale of the charts (e.g., bar graph 1224and pie graph 1226) as well as the time scale for the gallons useddisplay 1208.

In various embodiments, the suggestion engine 1010 may offer the usersuggestions to save water based on the water usage information andgraphs. For example, the user may click on a link or a part of the graphto see a suggestion. In one example, the user may click on irrigationand receive a suggestion that irrigation may be performed at night toreduce evaporation and allow plants the ability to absorb greateramounts of water.

The compare usage tab 1216 may allow the user to view competitions withthemselves, other individuals, or groups. The competition module 1016may track the competition and display the winning party. The competitionmodule 1016 may also display the amount of water that may need to beconserved to compete.

The water activities tab 1218 may allow users to identify water usageevents or activities as identifiers and/or categories. In variousembodiments, the preference module may receive the user's identifiersand categorizations as well as patterns of water usage that suggest orindicate that an event has been identified. In one example, the user maytypically take a shower at a set duration at a typical time of day. Theuser may identify the water usage event by clicking on the wateractivities tab 1218. The learning module 1008 may then recognize theamount of water usage, at a given time, for a given duration, as ashower and characterize the water activity as such.

The water profile tab 1220 allows the user to establish a water profile.The water profile may include factors that relate to water consumptionincluding type of pipes, types of fixtures, types of appliance, numberof people at the facility, type of business, irrigation needs and so on.

The water footprint tab 1222 may allow the user to change one or morepreferences that relate to the aqua footprint.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interface 1302for multi-meter information. In some embodiments, the customer server110 can be used with existing data collection and automationinfrastructure Utilities or consumers with multiple meters may have adashboard or other graphical user interface that gives them access to aset of meters plus the detailed usage view for each meter.

In some embodiments, the customer server 110 may allow commercialconsumers to sub-meter with automatic water usage data collection toidentify water usage at different locations of a business. The customerserver 110 may display online tacking of water usage data for allsub-meters and be alerted for water leaks and/or over usage. Businessesmay also conduct historical comparisons and track usage.

The graphical user interface 1302 may be used by a business withmultiple water meters and/or meter devices 102. The graphical userinterface 1302 may comprise a zip code field 1304, a gallons used todaydisplay 1306, a meters on alert display 1308, a water footprint display1310, a water fund display 1312, a map 1314, and meter markers 1316 and1318 on the map 1314.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the gallons used todaydisplay 1306, the water footprint display 1310, and the water fund 1312may be associated with any number of meters. In one example, the gallonsused today display 1306 may display gallons used at a specific meter(e.g., meter device associated with meter marker 1316) or a plurality ofmeter devices (e.g., meter devices associated with meter marker 1316 and1318 but not any other on the map 1314). In various embodiments, theuser may configure the graphical user interface 1302 to include anynumber of meters, change the period of time (e.g., hours, days, weeks,months, years, or the like), the metric of water measurement (e.g.,liters), at any time.

In some embodiments, the user may enter a zip code in the zip code field1304 to view the status of one or more meter devices 102. The meterdevices 102 may appear as markers on a map 1314 associated with the zipcode. In other embodiments, the user may enter a region, city, town, orcombination of geographic addresses/locations to view markers associatedwith meter devices 102.

The gallons used today display 1306 may display the amount of water usedassociated with any number of water meters. In this example, the gallonsused today display 1306 may indicate that amount of water consumed atthree different physical addresses.

The meter on alert display 1308 may indicate a number of meter devices102 that are currently on alert. A meter device 102 may be found to beon alert when the meter device 102 is reporting an error, has beentampered with, batteries are low, AC power is loss, capacitors need tobe replaced or the like. Further a meter device 102 may be found to beon alert if a leak is detected. In some embodiments, leaks may be foundeven if they only leak a couple of ounces. In this example, meter marker1318 indicates that a water meter is on alert.

The water footprint display 1310 displays the water footprint of thosefacilities that may be located on the map 1314. In some embodiments, thewater footprint display 1310 displays the water footprint of the entirebusiness.

The water fund display 1312 may display the water fund if the businessowner or user has chosen to use the water fund as a metric of watersavings and/or chosen to provide for charitable organizations based onwater conservation. In some embodiments, the water fund represents costssaving of an entire business or one or more water meters.

The GUI module 1002 may also visually depict alerts by color. In someembodiments, the GUI module 1002 may display the meter markers in colors(e.g., red for alert and green for not alert). The user may be able toclick on a meter marker to view the condition of the alert. In oneexample, when the user clicks on the red meter marker 1318, informationmay be displayed including where the marker is, identifying information,and/or the state of the alert (e.g., battery needs to be replaced orcommunication with a meter device 102 is suddenly limited). The alertinformation may be forwarded as a message (e.g., email, SMS, voice mailor the like) to responders to correct the problem.

The above-described functions and components can be comprised ofinstructions that are stored on a storage medium (e.g., a computerreadable storage medium). The instructions can be retrieved and executedby a processor. Some examples of instructions are software, programcode, and firmware. Some examples of storage medium are memory devices,tape, disks, integrated circuits, and servers. The instructions areoperational when executed by the processor to direct the processor tooperate in accord with embodiments of the present invention. Thoseskilled in the art are familiar with instructions, processor(s), andstorage medium.

The present invention has been described above with reference toexemplary embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various modifications may be made and other embodiments can be usedwithout departing from the broader scope of the invention. Therefore,these and other variations upon the exemplary embodiments are intendedto be covered by the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving water usage datafrom a meter device; receiving an identifier from a user associated withthe meter device; providing an interactive interface to the user, theinteractive interface conveying at least some water usage informationbased on the water usage data; receiving a first characterization of afirst water activity from the user, wherein the first characterizationcharacterizes the first water activity by a quantity of water consumedover a duration of water consumption, the first characterizationincluding a user designation of both a period of time in the water usageinformation representing the duration of water consumption and a waterusage categorization to be associated with the period of time;characterizing a second water activity based on pattern matching;generating a visualization based on the water usage information and thefirst characterization of the first water activity; and displaying thevisualization.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein pattern matchingcomprises matching a duration of water consumption and a quantity ofwater consumed with the first characterization.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the visualization is further based also on the secondcharacterization.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the meter device isa water meter.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the meter device iscoupled to a water meter.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving user preferences to set an alert threshold.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising alerting the user when the alert thresholdis exceeded.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting oneor more leaks and notifying the user of the one or more leaks.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising displaying suggestions to conservewater based on the water usage information.
 10. A system comprising: ameter data module configured to receive water usage data from a meterdevice; a GUI module configured to receive an identifier from a userassociated with the meter device and provide an interactive interface tothe user, the interactive interface conveying at least some water usageinformation based on the water usage data; a preference moduleconfigured to receive a first characterization of a first water activityfrom the user, wherein the first characterization characterizes thefirst water activity by a quantity of water consumed over a duration ofwater consumption, the first characterization including a userdesignation of both a period of time in the water usage informationrepresenting the duration of water consumption and a water usagecategorization to be associated with the period of time; a learningmodule configured to characterize a second water activity based onpattern matching; and a visualization module configured to generate avisualization based on the water usage information and the firstcharacterization of the first water activity and display thevisualization.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein pattern matchingcomprises the learning module configured to match a duration of waterconsumption and a quantity of water consumed with the firstcharacterization.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the visualizationmodule is further configured to generate the visualization based on thesecond characterization.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the meterdevice is a water meter.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the meterdevice is coupled to a water meter.
 15. The system of claim 10, whereinthe preference module is further configured to receive user preferencesto set an alert threshold.
 16. The system of claim 15, furthercomprising an alert module configured to alert the user when the alertthreshold is exceeded.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the meterdata module is further configured to detect one or more leaks and thesystem further comprises an alert module configured to notify the userof the one or more leaks.
 18. The system of claim 10, further comprisinga suggestion engine configured to generate suggestions to conserve waterbased on the water usage information.
 19. A computer readable mediumcomprising instructions, the instructions being executable by aprocessor to perform a method, the method comprising: receiving waterusage data from a meter device; receiving an identifier from a userassociated with the meter device; providing an interactive interface tothe user, the interactive interface conveying at least some water usageinformation based on the water usage data; receiving a firstcharacterization of a first water activity from the user, wherein thefirst characterization characterizes the first water activity by aquantity of water consumed over a duration of water consumption, thecharacterization including a user designation of both a period of timein the water usage information representing the duration of waterconsumption and a water usage categorization to be associated with theperiod of time; characterizing a second water activity based on patternmatching; generating a visualization based on the water usageinformation and the first characterization of the first water activity;and displaying the visualization.